By Mack Callahan
A Lawrence massage therapist is under investigation after police say a 19-year-old woman reported non-consensual sexual contact during a massage session at a Lawrence business.
According to the Lawrence Police Department, investigators arrested 31-year-old Joshua Salazar on April 29 in connection with an alleged rape involving a client at Lawrence Thai Massage, located near 23rd Street and Haskell Avenue.
Douglas County jail records show Salazar was booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility on suspicion of rape involving “sexual intercourse without consent and use of force.” Jail records also list two counts of interference with law enforcement tied to obstructing or resisting felony warrant service or execution.
Police say detectives were dispatched to the business shortly after the alleged incident was reported. Investigators processed evidence, interviewed the employee, and later submitted an affidavit to the Douglas County District Attorney for charging consideration.
Now comes the part that has investigators publicly sounding the alarm.
Lawrence Police are actively asking anyone who visited Lawrence Thai Massage and experienced inappropriate behavior during a therapy session to come forward.
That’s not standard language tossed into a routine press release.
When investigators publicly seek additional possible victims, it usually means they are trying to determine whether the reported incident was isolated — or part of something larger.
The alleged victim identified in the investigation is a 19-year-old woman. Police have not released further details about the reported encounter.
The business, located at 951 E. 23rd Street, sits along one of Lawrence’s busiest commercial corridors, making the case especially concerning for residents who may have visited the establishment in the past.
As of now, Salazar has not been convicted of any crime, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the case or who believes they may have had a similar experience is encouraged to contact Lawrence Police non-emergency dispatch at (785) 843-0250 and reference case number L26022843. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Douglas County Crime Stoppers at (785) 843-TIPS.
